Eating Breakfast for Success Essay Example for Free

Eating Breakfast for Success Essay Abstract In this experiment, we will study the impact of breakfast on learning in school. Students in several classes will be surveyed on their breakfast eating habits and their personal test scores. It will be a one-time survey over the course of one test. Factors that will be put under consideration are the amount of times each individual studied and the amount of sleep they had the night before. Many researches have been conducted proving that there are significant relationships between eating breakfast and educational performances. This study hypothesizes that students who ate breakfast will do significantly better on tests than students who didn’t eat breakfast. Impact of Breakfast on Learning in School Boschloo, Annemarie, et Al. (2012) conducted a survey with 608 adolescents age 11-18 investigating whether skipping breakfast has an impact on educational performances. The survey was to determine if those who eat breakfast daily have a better end-term-grade than those who skips breakfast. As a result, those who eat breakfast daily performed better in school than those who don’t eat breakfast. The result also shows that people who slept late tend to slip breakfast, but sleep had no effect on performances. The results applied to older and younger students also boys and girls. Another crossover trail has been done by Widenhorn-Muller, Katharina et al. (2008), the trail was applied on high school students age 13-20. Students were assigned to two groups: one with breakfast and who without breakfast. They compared cognitive functions of students in each group. As a result, Breakfast had no effect on paying more attention in class among students, but it has a short term effect on self-assessment and personal performance among the students. Pollitt, Ernesto et al. (1982-1983) found that â€Å"the timing and nutrient composition of meals have acute and demonstrable effects on behavior. † They conducted research on kids 9-11 yrs. old in controlled groups of fasting (breakfast) and non-fasting. They gave these children many tests such as assessment of IQ, the Matching Familiar Figures Test, and Hagen Central–Incidental Test. Glucose and insulin levels were also measured. Pivik, R. T. et al. (2012) found that â€Å"neural network activity involved in processing numerical information is functionally enhanced and performance is improved in children who have eaten breakfast. † Meanwhile students who did not eat breakfast will require more mental effort to solve mathematical problems. This founding was possible by measuring the electroencephalographic (EEG) activity of kids age 7-11 while they are solving math problems. Kids who ate breakfast showed higher frequency EEG activity whereas vice-versa for kids who did not eat breakfast. The proposed study is designed to investigate whether breakfast has an impact on how well a student perform on his/her test. We can assume that each student has a general knowledge on the subject and that they are prepared to take the test. Questions that will be raised during this experiment are 1. whether a person should eat breakfast before test and 2. how much should we eat for it to be consider a healthy breakfast. Method The proposed study is a survey for students age 15-22 in high schools and colleges. Surveys should separate participants into male or female. This survey is conducted on students taking math courses and numbers of males and female should be even in each age group. It is best to conduct the survey on participants within the same classes. Questions will be asked is number of sleep each students had the night before. Whether they had breakfast in the morning. How often do they eat breakfast. Also have the students list the breakfast they had in the morning. Discussion This discussion section will address practical and methodological difficulties in carrying out this survey. Also ethnical background issue will be put under consideration. Some difficulties we might encounter when taking a survey might be each individual’s eating habits, some might eat more than others and the food they consume are different. Also health issues might affect a person’s performance, for example, a person that weighs 130 pounds might have different results in performance compared to a person who is weigh 220 pounds even if they consume the same amount of food for breakfast. Also personal views will affect the survey. Some people have higher standards than others and naturally, the people with higher standards will try harder to get a higher grade than students with lower standards. This also brings up the issue of ethnicity and backgrounds because some people have higher expectations and different cultures have different habits of eating. In future studies, I would like to conduct this survey to a wider age group such as kids from age 5-13 and adults from age 25-40. The adult brain is more developed than children’s brains and breakfast might have a different effect on children and adults. Also this survey can be expanded into testing on a wider range of tasks. Instead of math tests it can be test on other subjects, and other jobs such as a person’s performance in an office or ground work. The survey should also study different types of people such as people with special needs compared to a person with normal functions. References Boschloo, Annemarie, et Al. (2012). The relation between breakfast skipping and school performance in adolescents. Mind, Brain, and Education, Vol 6(2), Jun, 2012. pp. 81-88. Widenhorn-Muller, Katharina et al. (2008) Influence of having breakfast on cognitive performance and mood in 13- to 20-year-old high school students: Results of a crossover trial. Pediatrics, Vol 122(2), Aug, 2008. pp. 279-284. Pollitt, Ernesto et al. (1982-1983). Fasting and cognitive function. Journal of Psychiatric Research, Vol 17(2), 1982-1983. pp. 169-174. Pivik, R. T. et al. (2012). Eating breakfast enhances the efficiency of neural networks engaged during mental arithmetic in school-aged children. Physiology Behavior, Vol 106(4), Jun 25, 2012. pp. 548-555.

The Great Gatsby Analysis

The Great Gatsby Analysis As a profound commentary on the American dream and a reflection of the period in which it was written, F. Scott Fitzgeralds American classic, The Great Gatsby, remains an enduring work in the American literature canon. Though the novel is relatively simple in terms of plot, the symbolism and intricacies related to that plot provide meaning and context to the reader (Gross and Gross 5). Articulating these intricacies and the basic mechanisms of the plot, however, are holistically tied to the point of view from which the story is told. The entire story is told through the eyes of the 29 year old Nick Carraway. As a result, the reader is left to determine if Nicks account is romanticized or if it is told with the necessary realism to be considered unbiased and therefore taken at face value. The process of this meaning making requires an analysis of Carraway and the way in which his point of view is expressed throughout the story. The nature of the narrative, however, provides other clue s useful to making such decisions. In this capacity, Carraway also sometimes switches to the third person, which allows for other perspectives to be considered by other characters interacting throughout the novel. Based on Carraways perception alone, Gatsby is presented as a mysterious and tragically romantic figure. This point of view is passed on to the reader; however, the addition of the third person elements also allow for commentary by other characters. This balancing process used by the author, demonstrates Gatsby for what he truly was, a complicated, tragic, romantic figure that was consumed with becoming what he thought constituted success in his respective era. Also having flaws and questionable morality, the point of view literary mechanism employed by Fitzgerald is more of a commentary on the American dream than a value judgement on Gatsby alone. Nick Carraway: A Character Analysis To understand the point of view expressed in the novel, it is first necessary to understan d who Nick Carraway is as the narrator. Carraway is man who is newly relocated to West Egg, which is a fictional place based on Fitzgeralds home of Great Neck, New York (Columbia 230). West Egg is a home to the newly rich and it is geographically located on the North Shore of Long Island (230). Bordering the Long Island Sound and close enough to New York City to be an escape for the rich, the culture of the area is affluent and a microcosm of values associated with socialites. Carraway, however, is enterprising and not yet rich himself. Having a degree from Yale and experience serving in the American military during the Great War, Carraway has the balance of a worldly person and the pedigree of an Ivy League university. Based on this two factors, Carraway is presented as a balanced character whose point of view should be taken seriously. His relocation to West Egg was connected to a desire to learn the bond business in New York City. As Daisy Buchanans cousin (Gatsbys love interest) and a neighbor of Gatsby, he naturally became part of the society movement present in the area at that time. The primary function of Carraway in Fitzgeralds tale is to translate the mysterious mans [Gatsbys] dramatic gestures into a revelation of their hidden significance (Bloom 178). Whether or not this occurs is a matter of reader perception. According to Bloom, Nick is essentially private; personality appears in public performance.[Gatsby and Nicks] individuals essential qualities remain forever hidden (178). Bloom continues, Fitzgerald makes it clear that to know another person in any substantial way lies somewhere between a leap of imaginative faith and the sheerly impossible (178). It is in the this tradition where the mystery in the Gatsby character proliferates. Though some is known about Carraways past, his character is rather benign and only seen through social interactions and his perspective on Gatsby. This leaves much to the imagination of the reader and is part of the meaning making process in Fitzgeralds point of view mechanism. Nick Carraway: Viewing Gatsby From a Romantic Perspective Gatsby can be viewed by the reader and is viewed by varying characters throughout the story as a lot of things. He could be considered a driven man, a tragic figure, an amoral character, a grossly misunderstood man or any combination thereof. As romantic figure, however, Gatsby is nearly entirely the creation of Carraways point of view (Bloom 178). Early in the novel, Carraway described the movements of the title character, Something in his leisurely movements and the secure position of his feet upon the lawn suggested that it was Mr. Gatsby himself, come out to determine what share was his of our local heavens (Fitzgerald 20). Based on this description and word choices alone, the point of view expressed by Carraway is clearly one of admiration and infatuation. Nick, through his point of view, serves as a translator of the dreams and social ambitions of the people who surround him (Giltrow and Stouck 476). As a result, designating Carraway as having a romantic view toward Gatsby is a reflection of all of the characters that live in West Egg. These characters looked at their lives, their ambitions, their potential and the material nature of their entire social microcosm romantically. It is easily reflected in the narrative that the characters overestimated the importance of themselves, their actions and their entire existence. In comparison to world events like World War I, the social ambitions of these residents seem benign; yet, these people are consumed by their designations of success. This is designated by Barrett as The unreality of reality for these people (150). In this capacity, for Carraway to be the translator of the mood and ambitions of those around him, he had to see Gatsby through the eyes of a romantic. Gatsby, in this capacity, was the extreme example of what this social world could spawn. Point of View: Third Person and Character Dialogue The way in which Fitzgerald employs point of view affords the supplemental insights of those characters sur rounding Gatsby and the third person sequences that are strewn sporadically and calculated throughout the novel. In party conversation that occurred between a female party goer, Jordan and Lucille, the following was said of Gatsby, Theres something funny about a fellow thatll do a thing like thatHe doesnt want any trouble with anybody (Fitzgerald 43). This quote is in reference to an event where Gatsby replaced the dress of girl who torn her dress at one of his parties. This act is not being heralded as a grandiose gesture by Gatsby; instead, it is being looked upon with scrutiny. This point of view reveals that Gatsby had ulterior motives for many of his actions. Gatsby was less concerned about the girls dress in this situation and more about his reputation in the social scene in which he was trying to assimilate. Assimilation into this social scene meant acceptance and the potential for winning Daisys affection. Gatsby was not born into money, as a result, he had to find ways to e arn a reputation and to earn the amount of capital that was necessary to live in the type of luxury that was common on the North Shore of Long Island at this time. His reputation was built around maneuvers like the one described by the aforementioned example and the parties that he had. In terms of the parties, they were just a built in mechanism of the desired social circle. Carraway explained, I believe on the first night I went to Gatsbys house I was one of the few guests who had actually been invited. People were not invited they went there (41). Building his wealth provided another designation about Gatsbys by any means necessary approach to social mobility. Gatsby was and had earned his money in the trade of illegal alcohol at the time. Set during the era of prohibition, Gatsby was able to fund his aspirations through criminal means. This would ultimately lead to his undoing as once this was common knowledge it would forever tarnish his reputation. For Daisy, despite feelings she may have had for him, she could only be with Gatsby if he were of the right social standing and reputation, his criminal enterprise reintroduced a reputation wedge forever that was temporally lifted when he returned to her life as a man with means. Despite the mystery and the scrutiny other characters placed on Gatsbys behavior, he was earning a positive reputation before his enterprise was ultimately discovered toward the end of the novel. Henry Gatz explained to Carraway about Gatsby, He knew he had a big future in front of him. And ever since he made a success he was very generous to me (Fitzgerald 172). While these point of views present conflicting imagery of Gatsby, they present a unified critique of the American Dream, as it is this mechanism that ultimately drove Gatsby to pursue the life that would ultimately lead to his undoing at the end of the novel. Point of View and the American Dream Gatsby ending up shot in his swimming pool at the conclusion of the novel firmly classifies the novel as a tragedy. Through the eyes of Nick Carraway, F. Scott Fitzgerald writes his own obituary of the American dream through the eyes and voice of Nick Carraway (Barrett 150). This makes the meaning of the entire novel one that is equivalent to an Anti-fairy tale 150). The pursuit of the empty American Dream is sandwiched between the conditions of the Great War and the Great Depression (Canterbery 297). The social Darwinistic nature of the life that Gatsby wanted to live ended up costing him his life (297). Through the sum of the point of view, the reader is left at the conclusion of the novel with a firm sense that it had all been for nothing. The victory, even if it had been achieved by Gatsby, would have been empty and somewhat convoluted. Had Gatsby achieved the matrimony of Daisy it would have been as much a product of him being a man of reputation and society as much as it would have been out of genuine love for the character. Love and social standing were one in the same in this dream and this sets a critique by the author of entire process. According to Layng, By novels end, Gatsby is the ghost-literally dead, his past with Daisy lost and Nick emerges as the apostle protagonist (93). As an apostle type figure, it is Carraway who is left to warn the people reading the tale about the negative potential of the American dream. The novel is very much American and many of the dynamics and intricacies of the novel are connected with these subtleties that are often lost on foreign readers (Dyson 45). Though steeped in tragedy, there is hope that can be connected with the point of view. Carraway has the potential to either leave the scene or to stay in the scene himself but serve as a warning to others venturing down the same path. Gatsbys death, therefore, has the potential to not have been in vain. According to Hawkes, For many years hope has been a word that has been lost, forgotten, and banished to the margins of romantic longing and wi shful thinking (20). In reality, the point of view used by the author expresses the unfinished American Epic (20). Using the words of Fitzgerald, Hawkes explained, But thats not matter-to-morrow we will run faster, stretch our arms fartherAnd one fine morning- are once again being heard (20). Though Gatsby and the romance associated with his dream may be problematic, that does not mean that are more responsible and less empty dream is not possible. Point of view in The Great Gatsby demonstrates a flawed dream that can be used to contrast a positive one that is only limited by the readers imagination. Point of View Conclusion The link between The Great Gatsby and the American dream is one that will be present for generations to come in any discussion of the American literary tradition. Fitzgeralds perspective on a flawed and empty American dream is articulated primarily through the point of view expressed by protagonists, Nick Carraway. Carraway, though romantically linked to the ent ire social scene of his era, is a reliable narrator that weaves his commentary in with third person dialogue that provides a very round multifaceted perspective of Jay Gatsby. Carraway is not wrong to romanticize Gatsby; however, alone this would not be enough to understand the full scope of the character. Gatsby was driven and he was willing to step outside of traditionally held values of the time when it suited his needs. Making a value judgement on Gatsby, on the other hand, requires making a judgement on the entire concept of the American dream during this particular time period. Fitzgerald skillfully establishes complexity of the entire pursuit of wealth and reputation through compelling point of view narrative.

Functionalism Essay -- Philosophy, Psychofunctionalism

Functionalism is a materialist stance in the philosophy of mind that argues that mental states are purely functional, and thus categorized by their input and output associations and causes, rather than by the physical makeup that constitutes its parts. In this manner, functionalism argues that as long as something operates as a conscious entity, then it is conscious. Block describes functionalism, discusses its inherent dilemmas, and then discusses a more scientifically-driven counter solution called psychofunctionalism and its failings as well. Although Block’s assertions are cogent and well-presented, the psychofunctionalist is able to provide counterarguments to support his viewpoint against Block’s criticisms. I shall argue that though both concepts are not without issue, functionalism appears to satisfy a more acceptable description that philosophers can admit over psychofunctionalism’s chauvinistic disposition that attempts to limit consciousness only to th e human race. To commence, functionalists are preoccupied with making mental states distinct, partly on the basis of causal relations to other mental states. Functionalism involves the conviction that psychological or mental terms can be done away to a certain extent. Functionalists treat terms related to mental states as functional characterizations which differ from input and output terms. Therefore, when the theory is broken down, mental states are associated with the states of the Turing-machine, which on its own is defined as a machine table that mentions inputs and outputs that are not explored in the mind (Block, pg. 212). Additionally, functionalism empathizes that characterization of mental states ought to include descriptions of inputs and outputs in both it... ...e to claim that objects that were created by humans, including robots, wire and metal structures and series of computer networks could and do possess qualia. Once people have reached the highest nirvana in the limits of consciousness and can create a consciousness device to measure its depths among classes of humans and non-humans, then functionalism can be shelved and rejected if it is the case that a robot does not contain qualia. Until then, however, functionalism needs to be carefully considered and not disregarded for its merits in the problem of mental states. Though for many, psychofunctionalism may be the more favorable choice because it is easier for people to consider themselves as the most intelligent beings and rulers of the universe rather than every collection of objects that satisfy the functional role to have consciousness on the same level as them.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee :: To Kill a Mockingbird Essays

To Kill A Mockingbird In the novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, a character Atticus states; â€Å"Courage is when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.† Throughout history, there have been many courageous people who have strongly demonstrated the quality of courage. Courage is a reoccurring theme that Harper Lee chooses to emphasize throughout To Kill A Mockingbird that many of her characters pursue as a strong quality. However, courage is proven to be most evident through Atticus, Scout, and Calpurina. Atticus is truly a man of courage. Throughout, To Kill A Mockingbird he has to face many situations where a courageous decision is needed in order to help someone very important. Although there are many characters that are against Atticus’ decisions, he still tries to see them through knowing that the odds of succeeding are weak. Atticus definitely defines courage when he makes the decision to represent a Negro named Tom Robinson, in court. Unfortunately, many people in the town of Maycomb are prejudice and look down upon Atticus for choosing to do so. However, Atticus knowing how strongly people feel about his decision for defending a black man feels that it is something he must do. A quote from the novel symbolizing his courage is found where Jem and Scout are asking Atticus why he is defending Tom Robinson: â€Å"Every lawyer gets at least one case in his lifetime that affects him personally. This one’s mine I guess.† This quote represents his courage because it shows that he has a responsibility and is going to do the best job he can even when he understands that the odds are against him. Atticus also displays courage when he tells Scout that you shouldn’t judge someone until you have been in his or her shoes. A quote showing this is found where Scout explains to Atticus about her day’s misfortunes at school and how Miss Caroline tells her that she was taught the wrong way by her father: â€Å"First of all, Scout if you can learn a simple trick, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view.† This quote further explains his courageous qualities because it shows that he doesn’t believe in judging others until you have been in their skin, or until you know a person.

Is ethnic profiling really helping society? Essay --

Is ethnic profiling really helping society? Ethnic profiling has been around for some time but is it getting worse? Are too many people going to far? Is it hurting or helping society? Many believe that ethnic profiling is only helping society and but in reality its only tearing us apart for because of the following reason. â€Å"Muslims endure long delay to become U.S Citizens they're pulled out of lines at airports and treated differently from other passengers (Lamkamp)†. Muslims are getting denied to become American just because of their Ethnics. Thats assuming that all Arabs or Muslims are terrorist. Thats like saying all Caucasians are rich. Which not all of them are. â€Å" Travel for many from the middle east has often been quite difficult, but following 9/11 and the Arab Springs it seems to be worsening (Kuwait).† Even though the terrorist attack in 9/11 was horrendous event to go through people should not assume every middle eastern is a terrorist. Many Middle Eastern are afraid of traveling because they think they might get pulled out of lines and get harassed. No one is better than anyone else therefore no one should be able to put themselves on a higher pedestal because they're a different ethnics. Although many believe ethnic profiling is helping society because it helps stop terrorist attacks they're incorrect for the following reason. â€Å" I thought they'd be happy I was leaving but instead they kept me waiting and were glaring at me as if I were a criminal. What's worse they ignored me completely and didn't tell me what was wrong( Ahmed)†. First and foremost they ignored her like she was not ... ... want to do its travel the world like the rest of us. If youre judging them because of their race you need to take a look in the mirror and see what type of person you really are.We are a Human Race and we need to stick together. We should let our differences make us stronger not tear us down. Marther Luther King had a dream that we should be equal and equal we shall be! Works Cited Conrad, Lisa. "Ethnic Profiling, Airport Security Procedures Await Arab Travelers." Kuwait Times 15 Nov. 2011: Newspaper Source Plus. Web. 25 Feb. 2014. Heath, Gilmore. "Racial Profiling Needed to Prove Australia Is Safe." Sydney Morning Herald, The 02 June 2010: 5. Newspaper Source Plus. Web. 25 Feb. 2014. Lakamp, Patrick. "Professor Decries Ethnic Profiling of Muslims: COMMUNITY." Buffalo News, The (NY) 11 May 2008: Newspaper Source Plus. Web. 25 Feb. 2014.

The Return: Shadow Souls Chapter 36

â€Å"What?† shouted Damon over the music, while adding: Run – go! telepathically to Elena. If it had merely been Elena's life, she would have been glad enough to die here with the thunderous beauty of Firebird all around her, rathr than facing those steep, invisible steps alone. But it wasn't just her life. It was Stefan's life, too. Still, the flower maiden didn't look particularly menacing, and Elena couldn't summon up enough adrenaline to try making it down that hidous stairway. Damon, let's both go. We have to search the Great Ballroom outside. Only you're strong enough†¦. A hesitation. Damon would rather fight than face that enormous, impossible green field outside, Elena thought. But Bloddeuwedd, despite her words, was now spinning the room around them again, so that she, at the edge of some invisible walkway, could find the exact orb she wanted. Damon lifted Elena in his arms and said: Shut your eyes. Elena not only shut her eyes, but put her hands over them as well. If Damon was going to drop her, she wasn't going to help matters by shouting â€Å"Look out!† as he did it. The sensations themselves were sickening enough. Damon leaped from step to step like an ibex. He seemed barely to touch the steps in going down and Elena wondered – quite suddenly – if anything were after them. If so, it was information she needed to know. She began to lift her hands and heard Damon whisper-snarl â€Å"Keep them shut!† in a voice that few people liked to argue with. Elena peeked out between her hands, met Damon's exasperated eyes, and saw nothing following them. She clamped her hands back together and prayed. If you were really a slave, you wouldn't last a day here, you know, Damon informed her, taking a final leap into space and then setting her down on invisible – but at least level – ground. I wouldn't want to, Elena sent coldly. I swear, I'd rather die. Be careful what you promise, Damon flashed his splendid smile down at her suddenly. You may end up in other dimensions trying to fulfill your word. Elena didn't even try to one-up him. They were out, free, and racing through the glass house down to the stairs to the lower floor – a little tricky in her state of mind, but bearable – and finally out the door. On the grass of the Great Ballroom they found Meredith and Bonnie†¦and Sage. He was actually in white tie as well, although his jacket strained at his shoulders. In addition, Talon was sitting on one – so the problem might be taken care of fairly soon, as she was ripping the material and drawing blood. Sage didn't seem aware of it. Saber was at his master's side, looking at Elena with eyes too thoughtful to be mere animal eyes, but without malice. â€Å"Thank God you came back!† Bonnie cried, running to them. â€Å"Sage came and he has a marvelous idea.† Even Meredith was excited. â€Å"You remember how Damon said we should have brought a diviner? Well, we have two now.† She turned to Sage. â€Å"Please tell them.† â€Å"As a rule, I don't take these two to parties.† Sage reached down to scratch under Saber's throat. â€Å"But a little bird told me that you might be in trouble.† His hand moved up to stroke Talon, ruffling the falcon's feathers slightly. â€Å"So, dites-moi, please: Just how much have you two been handling the half-key you do possess?† â€Å"I touched it tonight and in the beginning, the night we found it,† said Elena. â€Å"But Lady Ulma handled it and Lucen made a chest for it and we've all handled that.† â€Å"But outside the box?† â€Å"I've held it and looked at it once or twice,† said Damon. â€Å"Eh bien! The kitsune smells should be much stronger on it. And kitsune have very distinctive smells.† â€Å"So you mean that Saber – † Elena's voice gave out for pure faintness. â€Å"Can sniff out anything with the smell of kitsune on it. Meanwhile, Talon has very good eyesight. She can fly overhead and look for the glint of gold in case it's in plain sight somewhere. Now show them what they will be searching for.† Elena obligingly held out the crescent shaped half-key for Saber to sniff. â€Å"Voil! And Talon, now you take a good look.† Sage backed away to what was, Elena supposed, Talon's optimal seeing distance. Then when he came back, he said, † Commen;ons!† and the black dog exploded away, nose to ground, while the falcon took off in grand, high, sweeping circles. â€Å"So you think the kitsune were on this grass?† Elena asked Sage, as Saber began racing back and forth, nose still just above the grass – and then suddenly veered out onto the middle of the marble steps. â€Å"But assuredly, they were here. You see how Saber runs, like a black panther, with his head low, and his tail straight? He has business in hand, him! He is hot on the scent.† I know someone else who gives off the same feeling, Elena thought as she glanced back at Damon, who stood with his arms folded, motionless, coiled like a spring, waiting for whatever news the animals would bring. She happened to glance at Sage at the same moment, and she saw an expression on his face that – well, it was probably the same expression she'd been wearing a minute ago. He glanced at her and she blushed. â€Å"Pardonnez-moi, Monsieur,† she said, looking away quickly. â€Å"Parlez-vous fran;ais, Madame?† â€Å"Un peu,† Elena said humbly – an unusual condition for her. â€Å"I can't really keep up a serious conversation. But I loved going to France.† She was about to say something else, when Saber barked once, sharply, to attract attention and then sat bolt upright at the curb. â€Å"They came or left in a carriage or litter,† Sage translated. â€Å"But what did they do in the house? I need a trail going the other way,† Damon said, looking up at Sage with something like raw desperation. â€Å"All right, all right. Saber! Contremarche!† The black dog instantly turned around, put its nose to the ground as if it afforded him the greatest delight, and began running back and forth across the stairs and the lawn that formed the â€Å"Great Ballroom† – now becoming pitted with holes as people took shovels, pickaxes, and even large spoons to it. â€Å"Kitsune are hard to catch,† Elena murmured into Damon's ear. He nodded, glancing at his watch. â€Å"I hope we are, too,† he murmured back. There was a sharp bark from Saber. Elena's heart leaped in her chest. â€Å"What?† she cried. â€Å"What is it?† Damon passed her, grabbed her hand, and dragged her in his wake. â€Å"What has he found?† Elena gasped as they all reached the same point simultaneously. â€Å"I don't know. It's not part of the Great Ballroom,† replied Meredith. Saber was sitting up proudly in front of a bed of tall, clustering pale lavender (deep violet) hydrangeas. â€Å"They don't look like they're doing too well,† said Bonnie. â€Å"And it's not below any of the upper ballrooms, either,† Meredith said, stooping to get at Saber's height and then look up. â€Å"There's just the library.† â€Å"Well, I know one thing without a question,† Damon said. â€Å"We're going to have to dig up this flower patch and I don't fancy asking Ms. Larkspur-eyes-Now-I-have-to-kill-you for her permission.† â€Å"Oh, did you think they were larkspur, her eyes? Because I thought of bluebells, rahthah,† said a guest behind Bonnie. â€Å"Did she really say she had to kill you? But why?† another guest, nearer to Elena asked nervously. Elena ignored them. â€Å"Well, let's put it this way, she's certainly not going to like it. But it's the only clue we've got.† Except, I suppose, if the kitsune meant to leave it here, but then took off in a coach, she added voicelessly to Damon. â€Å"So that means the show can commence,† cried one of the young vampire fans, stepping toward Elena. â€Å"But I don't have my amulet back,† Damon said flatly, moving in front of Elena like an impenetrable wall. â€Å"But you will in minutes, surely. Look, couldn't some fellows backtrack with the dog to wherever the bad guys came from – came to the estate from, if you get me? And meanwhile we can be getting on with the show?† â€Å"Can Saber do that?† Damon asked. â€Å"Follow a carriage?† â€Å"With a fox in it? But of course. Actually, I could go with them,† Sage said quietly. â€Å"I could make sure that these two enemies are caught if they are on the other end of the trail. Show them to me.† â€Å"These are the only shapes I know.† Damon reached out two fingers and touched Sage's temple. â€Å"But, of course, they'll have more forms, possibly infinite ones.† â€Å"Well, they are not our priority, I assume. The, ah, amulet is.† â€Å"Yes,† Damon said. â€Å"Even if you don't land a blow on them, get the key half and race back.† â€Å"So? Even more important than revenge,† Sage said softly, shaking his head in wonder. Then he added quickly. â€Å"Well, I will wish us good luck. Any adventurous types who want to go with me? Ah, good, four – very well, five, Madame – is enough.† And he was gone. Elena looked at Damon, who was looking back with blank, black eyes. â€Å"You really expect me to do – that – again?† â€Å"All you need to do is stand there. I'll make sure you lose as little blood as possible. And if you ever want to stop we can have a signal.† â€Å"Yes, but now I understand. And I can't handle it.† His face went cold suddenly. Shutting her out. â€Å"You're not required to handle anything. Besides, isn't it enough if I say it's a fair bargain for Stefan?† Stefan! Elena's entire body went through some sort of elemental change. â€Å"Let me share it,† she begged, and knew that she was begging and knew what Damon was going to say. â€Å"Stefan is going to need you when we get out. Just make sure you can handle that.† Stop. Think. Don't bash his head in, Elena's brain told her. He's pushing your buttons. He knows how to do it. Don't let him push your buttons. â€Å"I can handle both,† she said. â€Å"Please, Damon. Don't treat me as if I were – one of your one-nighters, or even your Princess of Darkness. Talk to me as if I were Sage.† â€Å"Sage? Sage is the most frustrating, cunning – â€Å" â€Å"I know. But you talk to him. And you used to talk to me, and now you're not. Listen to me. I can't bear to go through this scenario again. I'll scream.† â€Å"Now you're threatening – â€Å" â€Å"No! I'm telling you what will happen. Unless you gag me, I'll scream. And scream. As I would scream for Stefan. I can't help it. Maybe I'm breaking down†¦.† â€Å"But don't you see?† Suddenly he had whirled around and taken hold of her hands. â€Å"We're almost at the end. You, who've been the strongest all along – you can't break down now.† â€Å"The strongest†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Elena was shaking her head. â€Å"I thought we were right there, on the verge of understanding each other.† â€Å"All right.† His words came as hard chips of marble now. â€Å"What if we do five?† â€Å"Five?† â€Å"Five strokes instead of ten. We'll promise to do the other five when the ‘amulet' is found, but we'll run when we do find it.† â€Å"You would have to break your word.† â€Å"If it takes that – â€Å" â€Å"No,† she said flatly. â€Å"You say nothing. I'll tell them. I'm a liar and a cheat and I've always played with men. We'll see if I can't finally put my talents to good use. And there's no point in trying any of the other girls,† she added, glancing up. â€Å"Bonnie and Meredith are wearing gowns that would fall right off if you slashed them. Only I have a bare back.† She pirouetted in place to show off how her dress met only very high at the neck in a halter and very low in the back in a V. â€Å"Then we're agreed.† Damon had a slave refill his goblet and Elena thought: we're going to be the tipsiest act in history, if nothing else. She couldn't help but shiver. The last time she had felt an inner trembling was from Damon's warm hand on her bare back as they danced. Now, she felt something much icier, just a draft of cold air perhaps. But it drew her mind to the feeling of her own blood running down her sides. Suddenly Bonnie and Meredith were there beside her, forming a barricade between her and the increasingly curious and excited crowd. â€Å"Elena, what's happened? They said a barbarian human girl was to be whipped – † began Meredith. â€Å"And you just knew it had to be me,† completed Elena. â€Å"Well, it's true. I don't see how I can get out of it.† â€Å"But what have you done?† Bonnie asked frantically. â€Å"Been an idiot. Let some fraternity-type vampire boys think that it was a sort of magic act,† Damon put in. His face was still grim. â€Å"That's a little unfair, isn't it?† Meredith asked. â€Å"Elena told us about the first time. It sounded as if they jumped to the conclusion that it was an act all by themselves.† â€Å"We should have denied it then. Now, we're stuck with it,† Damon said flatly. Then, as if he were making an effort, â€Å"Oh, well, maybe we'll get what we came for, anyway.† â€Å"That was how we found out – some idiot came running down the steps yelling about an amulet with two green stones.† â€Å"It was all we could think of,† Elena explained wearily. â€Å"It's worth it for Damon and I to do this if only we can find the other half of the key.† â€Å"You don't have to do it,† Meredith said. â€Å"We can just leave.† Bonnie stared at her. â€Å"Without the fox key?† Elena shook her head. â€Å"We've already been through all that. The unanimous decision was to do it this way. She looked around. â€Å"Now where are the guys that wanted to see it so much?† â€Å"Looking in the field – that used to be a ballroom,† Bonnie replied. â€Å"Or getting shovels – lots of 'em – from Bloddeuwedd's gardening compound. Ow! Why'd you pinch me, Meredith?† â€Å"Oh, my, did that pinch? I meant to do this – â€Å" But Elena was already striding away, as eager now as Damon was to get it over with. Half over with. I just hope he remembers to change into his leather jacket and black jeans, she thought. In white tie – the blood – I won't let there be any blood. The thought was sudden and Elena didn't know where it came from. But in the deepest reaches of her being, she thought: he's been punished enough. He was trembling in the litter. He thought about another person's well-being from minute to minute. It's enough now. Stefan wouldn't want him to be hurt any more. She glanced up to see one of the Dark Dimension's small, misshapen moons moving visibly above her. This time the surrender she made to it was bright red, a feather shining in sullen crimson light. But she gave herself up to it unreservedly, body and soul, and it rested on the hallowed spring of eternal blood that was her womanhood. And then she knew what she had to do. â€Å"Bonnie, Meredith, look: we're a triumvirate. We have to try to share this with Damon.† No one looked enthusiastic. Elena, whose pride had been entirely broken from the moment she first saw Stefan in his cell, knelt down in front of them on the hard marble step. â€Å"I'm begging you – â€Å" â€Å"Elena! Stop that!† Meredith gasped. â€Å"Please get up! Oh, Elena – † Bonnie was a breath away from tears. And so, it was small, softhearted Bonnie who turned the tide. â€Å"I'll try to teach Meredith how. But anyway, we'll at least share it between the three of us.† Hug. Kiss. A murmur into strawberry hair, â€Å"I know what you see in the dark. You're the bravest person I know.† And then, leaving a stunned Bonnie behind, Elena went to collect spectators for her own whipping.

Foreign Direct Investment

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is probably the single most important factor contributing to the globalization of the international economy. FDI are increasingly strong economic links between developing and industrialized countries, and also among developing countries. Foreign direct investment in developing countries (LDCs) have increased nearly four-fold in the 1990s and now account for almost 40 per cent, reaching some $120 billion in 1997. Foreign direct investment is now by far the largest source of all capital flows to the less developed world. The objective of the FDI is to encourage the flow of investments for productive purposes among member†s countries, and in particular to developing countries. To serve this objective, the WTO must provide some type of guarantees (or insurance) covering foreign direct investment for all parties† host countries, home countries and Multinational corporations† against all the obstacles like Different needs, political risks, abuse of labor, Transfer Restriction, Breach of Contract, corruption, and Tax breaks. WTO must carry out advisory and technical assistance for these parties so that their interests are protected, and must emphasis on multilateral investment agreement (MIA. ) No unilateral action or bilateral The host countries or the developing countries are interested in: (I) development of their services, communities and infrastructure that may help their industrialization and development, (III) production of exportable goods and (III) continuous technological development in their industrial production and services Once MNC has been attracted to a particular destination country, they expect a high level of facilitation services. Governments all too often give inadequate attention to servicing investors† needs, even though large sums of money may have been spent on promotion activities and success has been achieved against fierce international competition. In retune, Investors from industrialized countries want to come to developing countries for two main reasons. First, they apprehend that the return on capital in their home country is not adequate; second, they want to combine their capital with the cheap labor of the host country to reduce the cost of production. So the WTO should regulate the minimum wage for the worker in the host county. If the FDI is only for capturing the domestic market, it may still generate profit for the investor, but such profit may leave the country in foreign exchange. Where there are two serious implications. First, in profitable domestic consumption sectors, foreign investments may overwhelm domestic investors (which may generally not be as strong as the foreign counterparts) and in some cases may eliminate them. Second, some critical sectors, like land, minerals and forests, where countries often like to have effective control on ownership because of social, political and strategic reasons, may, in a big way, pass under the control of foreign nationals. Investors have freedom without any responsibility, except in respect of their own profits. The implementation of the obligations of home countries are ought to be ensured by locating the MIA in the WTO, so that for any perceived infringement, action can be taken against exports of the country. Tax breaks for multinational corporations Multinational corporations, whether American- or foreign-owned, are supposed to pay taxes on the profits they earn in their home country. For example, American companies and individuals aren't supposed to gain tax advantages from moving their operations or investments to low-tax offshore â€Å"tax havens. † But the tax laws often fail miserably to achieve this goal. Moreover, IRS data show that foreign-owned corporations doing business in the United States typically pay far less in U. S. income taxes than do solely American firms with similar sales and assets. The same loopholes that foreign companies use are also utilized by U. S. -owned multinationals, and even provide motivation for American companies to move plants and jobs overseas. As a result, the WTO must fix these problems in the current system. The WTO must oblige all multinational corporations to provide income report in the overseas operation. Also, the Home County has the right to inspect every movement of goods and services between a multinational company's domestic and foreign operations, and then attempt to assure that a fair, â€Å"transfer price† was assigned to each real or notional transaction. Host countries insist that foreign firms must meet high domestic-content requirements, take on local partners, or engage in technology-sharing agreements, by contrast, suffer lags in technology acquisition, absence of best management techniques, weak penetration of foreign markets, and flimsy development of a supplier base. Yet developing countries and economies in transition can†t find ways to protect and reward foreign investors who promise to meet domestic content, joint venture, or technology-sharing requirements. Political actions, changes in governments, events or instability may result in unfavorable changes in the value of a foreign security. A new treaty, the repeal or modification of an existing treaty or a change in formal diplomatic relations between the home and the host countries could affect the value or liquidity of investments in that country. Corruption in the developing countries The definition of corruption is misuse of power for private benefit or advantage. Corruption is to all appearances widespread in developing countries and has very serious repercussions on their peoples' quality of life – above all that of the poor and disadvantaged. This power may, but need not, reside in the public domain. Besides money , the benefit can take the form of protection, special treatment, commendation, or promotion; generally speaking corruption encompasses four main distinguishing features: Undesirable effects on third parties (home county). Also the effects of corruption in developing countries ends up as obvious ignore of community interest. The WTO should monitor the MNC operations in the developing countries so that the real objective is achieved, and to protect the other parties. Breach of Contract † home, host countries and multinational corporations† Different needs of investors and host countries Investors from industrialized countries want to come to developing countries main reason profit. The host developing countries, on the other hand, are interested in development of their services and technological development in their industrial production and services. These two objectives are not incompatible. And the interest of foreign investors and host governments may be harmonized. But it is critical that any FDI agreement meet both objectives. This can be achieved if the investors decide on the capability of specific projects, and the host governments decide on the priority sectors and conditions of FDI, consistent with their economic and development objectives. Wherever the two agree, FDI will flow. But for FDI to have a beneficial effect, it is important to realize that the roles of both sides are significant. An MIA is really not necessary for this purpose. What is needed is that governments have clarity of objectives, and these are spelt out clearly. Sets of transparent and stable criteria adopted and announced by governments can help the foreign investors to assess the viability of investments under those conditions. Naturally, governments wishing to encourage foreign investments will lay down criteria, which will welcome the investors in priority sectors rather than scare them away. If there is sufficient scope for the convergence of the interests of investors and those of the host governments and if it can be brought about by the domestic policies and measures of host governments, why is it then that some industrialized countries are pressing for a multilateral discipline? The main reason is to eliminate or, at least, constrict the powers of host governments regarding the choice of the priority sectors for FDI and obligation of conditions on such investments, so that foreign investors are able to operate unencumbered by such constraints. The main objective of the investors naturally is to earn high profit in a short time and repatriate the profit. And the objective behind bringing the proposed discipline on investments into the folds of the WTO Agreement is to utilize its dispute settlement process to enforce the discipline. The WTO, through its provision of cross-sector retaliation, will enable them to take restrictive measures against the developing countries, which may be perceived as violating the discipline. Foreign investment is often welcome to countries, as it increase the country's capital and investment stocks. But the main implication of FDI is that the returns on such investments – in the form of dividends and profits, as well as many fees including license fees, management expenses and so on – are sent out of the country in foreign exchange. Hence, if the investments do not help the country, either directly or indirectly, to earn foreign exchange, the negative effects of the outflow may be serious. A change in the exchange rate between the two countries currency may reduce the value of an investment in a security valued in the foreign currency, or based on that currency value. Foreign Direct Investment Foreign direct investment (FDI) is probably the single most important factor contributing to the globalization of the international economy. FDI are increasingly strong economic links between developing and industrialized countries, and also among developing countries. Foreign direct investment in developing countries (LDCs) have increased nearly four-fold in the 1990s and now account for almost 40 per cent, reaching some $120 billion in 1997. Foreign direct investment is now by far the largest source of all capital flows to the less developed world. The objective of the FDI is to encourage the flow of investments for productive purposes among member†s countries, and in particular to developing countries. To serve this objective, the WTO must provide some type of guarantees (or insurance) covering foreign direct investment for all parties† host countries, home countries and Multinational corporations† against all the obstacles like Different needs, political risks, abuse of labor, Transfer Restriction, Breach of Contract, corruption, and Tax breaks. WTO must carry out advisory and technical assistance for these parties so that their interests are protected, and must emphasis on multilateral investment agreement (MIA. ) No unilateral action or bilateral The host countries or the developing countries are interested in: (I) development of their services, communities and infrastructure that may help their industrialization and development, (III) production of exportable goods and (III) continuous technological development in their industrial production and services Once MNC has been attracted to a particular destination country, they expect a high level of facilitation services. Governments all too often give inadequate attention to servicing investors† needs, even though large sums of money may have been spent on promotion activities and success has been achieved against fierce international competition. In retune, Investors from industrialized countries want to come to developing countries for two main reasons. First, they apprehend that the return on capital in their home country is not adequate; second, they want to combine their capital with the cheap labor of the host country to reduce the cost of production. So the WTO should regulate the minimum wage for the worker in the host county. If the FDI is only for capturing the domestic market, it may still generate profit for the investor, but such profit may leave the country in foreign exchange. Where there are two serious implications. First, in profitable domestic consumption sectors, foreign investments may overwhelm domestic investors (which may generally not be as strong as the foreign counterparts) and in some cases may eliminate them. Second, some critical sectors, like land, minerals and forests, where countries often like to have effective control on ownership because of social, political and strategic reasons, may, in a big way, pass under the control of foreign nationals. Investors have freedom without any responsibility, except in respect of their own profits. The implementation of the obligations of home countries are ought to be ensured by locating the MIA in the WTO, so that for any perceived infringement, action can be taken against exports of the country. Tax breaks for multinational corporations Multinational corporations, whether American- or foreign-owned, are supposed to pay taxes on the profits they earn in their home country. For example, American companies and individuals aren't supposed to gain tax advantages from moving their operations or investments to low-tax offshore â€Å"tax havens. † But the tax laws often fail miserably to achieve this goal. Moreover, IRS data show that foreign-owned corporations doing business in the United States typically pay far less in U. S. income taxes than do solely American firms with similar sales and assets. The same loopholes that foreign companies use are also utilized by U. S. -owned multinationals, and even provide motivation for American companies to move plants and jobs overseas. As a result, the WTO must fix these problems in the current system. The WTO must oblige all multinational corporations to provide income report in the overseas operation. Also, the Home County has the right to inspect every movement of goods and services between a multinational company's domestic and foreign operations, and then attempt to assure that a fair, â€Å"transfer price† was assigned to each real or notional transaction. Host countries insist that foreign firms must meet high domestic-content requirements, take on local partners, or engage in technology-sharing agreements, by contrast, suffer lags in technology acquisition, absence of best management techniques, weak penetration of foreign markets, and flimsy development of a supplier base. Yet developing countries and economies in transition can†t find ways to protect and reward foreign investors who promise to meet domestic content, joint venture, or technology-sharing requirements. Political actions, changes in governments, events or instability may result in unfavorable changes in the value of a foreign security. A new treaty, the repeal or modification of an existing treaty or a change in formal diplomatic relations between the home and the host countries could affect the value or liquidity of investments in that country. Corruption in the developing countries The definition of corruption is misuse of power for private benefit or advantage. Corruption is to all appearances widespread in developing countries and has very serious repercussions on their peoples' quality of life – above all that of the poor and disadvantaged. This power may, but need not, reside in the public domain. Besides money , the benefit can take the form of protection, special treatment, commendation, or promotion; generally speaking corruption encompasses four main distinguishing features: Undesirable effects on third parties (home county). Also the effects of corruption in developing countries ends up as obvious ignore of community interest. The WTO should monitor the MNC operations in the developing countries so that the real objective is achieved, and to protect the other parties. Breach of Contract † home, host countries and multinational corporations† Different needs of investors and host countries Investors from industrialized countries want to come to developing countries main reason profit. The host developing countries, on the other hand, are interested in development of their services and technological development in their industrial production and services. These two objectives are not incompatible. And the interest of foreign investors and host governments may be harmonized. But it is critical that any FDI agreement meet both objectives. This can be achieved if the investors decide on the capability of specific projects, and the host governments decide on the priority sectors and conditions of FDI, consistent with their economic and development objectives. Wherever the two agree, FDI will flow. But for FDI to have a beneficial effect, it is important to realize that the roles of both sides are significant. An MIA is really not necessary for this purpose. What is needed is that governments have clarity of objectives, and these are spelt out clearly. Sets of transparent and stable criteria adopted and announced by governments can help the foreign investors to assess the viability of investments under those conditions. Naturally, governments wishing to encourage foreign investments will lay down criteria, which will welcome the investors in priority sectors rather than scare them away. If there is sufficient scope for the convergence of the interests of investors and those of the host governments and if it can be brought about by the domestic policies and measures of host governments, why is it then that some industrialized countries are pressing for a multilateral discipline? The main reason is to eliminate or, at least, constrict the powers of host governments regarding the choice of the priority sectors for FDI and obligation of conditions on such investments, so that foreign investors are able to operate unencumbered by such constraints. The main objective of the investors naturally is to earn high profit in a short time and repatriate the profit. And the objective behind bringing the proposed discipline on investments into the folds of the WTO Agreement is to utilize its dispute settlement process to enforce the discipline. The WTO, through its provision of cross-sector retaliation, will enable them to take restrictive measures against the developing countries, which may be perceived as violating the discipline. Foreign investment is often welcome to countries, as it increase the country's capital and investment stocks. But the main implication of FDI is that the returns on such investments – in the form of dividends and profits, as well as many fees including license fees, management expenses and so on – are sent out of the country in foreign exchange. Hence, if the investments do not help the country, either directly or indirectly, to earn foreign exchange, the negative effects of the outflow may be serious. A change in the exchange rate between the two countries currency may reduce the value of an investment in a security valued in the foreign currency, or based on that currency value.